Category Archives: Advice

This week I was reminded of a very nice passage in The Twits. It made me think of those years when I felt embarrassed by my height; those times when I worried that I was too sticky-outy. The occasions when I’d look in the mirror and just think “bleurgh”.

If you’re feeling self-conscious, there is a solution that is easier than make-up, more constant than fashion and cheaper than therapy. Think good thoughts.

Thank you Mr Dahl. For snozzcumbers, oompa-loompas, giant balloon peaches and for just damn well hitting the nail on the head every time.

I haven’t brought you a non-fashion-orientated post for a while, so I thought I’d skip the trendy stuff today and talk about work. I’m still talking about clothes. But I’m more talking uniform.

Ooo-er.

I don’t work in a uniform-wearing profession, but — even after (gratefully) disposing of the blue blouse and tartan kilt that I wore to school every day — I’ve done several jobs that have had very specific stipulations about what I need to wear. And sometimes it’s been a proper headache.

A few weeks ago I was asked to talk about a new shoe brand on a shopping channel. Trouble was, the shoe brand in question only went up to a size 8. And — given that I was going to be talking about how the shoes felt, where I’d worn them to, and why they were so ruddy lovely — I needed to actually wear them.

I had to admit to the shopping channel lady that, while I was more than happy to do the job, there was a fair possibility that I wouldn’t fit into the shoes. And while she was very sweet and agreed to send the shoes for me to try, if they didn’t fit, I didn’t get the job. Simple as that.

Luckily the shoes just about fitted, were rather lovely and had closed toes so that I didn’t need to expose my alien-toes to the viewing public. But, it got me thinking about all the times when my big feet and long limbs have given meissues in the workplace. (And yes, I am now on a bit of a campaign to get said shopping channel to extend their stock and at least carry size 9s. It seems only sensible in this day and age).

I work primarily in the television industry, but after initially going freelance from my nice cushty Channel 5 job four years ago (at the start of a recession… I am that clever), I did some… um, very un-TV jobs to pay the bills in between. Giving out samples of chicken outside Westham football club while dressed in a catsuit? Yup, that was a low point. Particularly when said catsuit was super short in the body. That day was painful for a whole number of reasons…

Now I split my time between telly work and modelling assignments — and yes — I’ve lost out on modelling jobs because of my height, and because of my big feet. But that’s modelling, isn’t it? People miss out on jobs because they’re too fat, thin, black or white… it’s the nature of the beast. And it’s a beastly beast. If the face don’t fit (or the clothes), you don’t get the job. Unfortunately that is just something that I’ve had to learn to deal with. But that damn well shouldn’t be the case with every profession.

While I was studying at university, I worked a gym sales job. I was required to wear a specific skirt that — on my 6-foot frame — just looked indecent. After spending a whole shift grappling with the hemline and feeling the eyes of men boring into the backs of my thighs as I walked around the lesiure centre, I gave the skirt back. I wore smart black trousers and refused to take them off until they finally brought me a skirt that fitted.

Last week I threw open a uniform discussion on Facebook and WOWSERS… we’ve all been there. (Not sure any of you have done anything as unglamorous as giving out chicken in the street, but you’ve had your fair share of uniform wobbles).

Katie works in a supermarket, and has been waiting for a blazer to be custom-made. Currently her uniform looks too big and baggy because it doesn’t fit properly. Clothes are a very important aspect of your work; if you feel smart and well-presented, you can conquer the world. If you feel scruffy and awkward, then you don’t feel that sense of pride that should come when you put on a uniform emblazoned with the name of your company.

And school uniform has proved to be a bit of a nightmare for a lot of us leggy lovelies. Rebecca had to wear a blouse at school instead of the ill-fitting shirt she was supposed to wear — cue raised eyebrows from unsympathetic teachers. Louise’s mum had to make her school trousers and knit her a plain black cardi because the school blazers didn’t fit.

Lots of us have actually been criticised for our sizing issues. When Claire was working in a clothes shop, she was expected to wear the products sold in store. Because nothing actually fitted, she wore her own long trousers to work and ended up on the receiving end of complaints from management. Sam worked in a bar where she was expected to wear a black body t-shirt… and was told off because she couldn’t fasten the poppers. I mean… purlease!

Now… you know my blog is all about the positive. Even when I’m having a bit of a rant (like now) I still try and find a solution. It’s here that I become a bit unstuck. Because a uniform is a uniform. And we’re not created in a uniform shape.

But, one thing I will say is that IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT if the damn uniform doesn’t fit. As Lady Gaga will testify, you were flipping well Born This Way (Yes, I pulled out the Gaga. Needs must). Your work is lucky to have you, so they should provide a reasonable clothing substitute. I used to get so flustered if I turned up to a job and was expected to wear something that didn’t fit. A few times I’ve been made to feel as though it’s my fault. Which is completely ridiculous.

If your manager hands you a uniform and then complains about the fact that you’re too tall for it, then that is discrimination. Plain and simple. I’m not a litigious person. I can handle the odd sexist comment here and there and I’m all for a bit of office banter. But if anyone makes you feel like you should fit the uniform, then that person is a bully. And a moron. Kindly explain to him/ her that while you’re happy to wear the required clothes, you’ll need them in longer lengths. If your bosses are making you wear a uniform, then it’s their responsibility to find you one that fits.

And if all else fails, calmly deliver unto them the wise words of the Gaga.

L xx

P.S. Anyone else had a uniform-related mare at work? Not been able to use your staff discount in the clothing store you work at? Hospital scrubs not keeping you covered? Rant away girl…

I don’t really chat about the day-job much on All the Tall things, but there are definitelytimes when my working life crosses over into my blogging life.

About a third of my working week is spent on modelling assignments. Usually they’re more of the “lifestyle” or “commercial” variety, (i.e, “we need a smiley looking girl-next-door type to look like she’s having the time of her life while eating in this restaurant/ wandering down this sand dune/ talking to this bank manager.” I’m not your stick-thin, edgy looking trendy model type. I’m more of a girl-nextdoor, enjoys the occasional cheese ‘n’ pickle sandwich kinda gal. And that suits me just fine. (And yes, I’m aware that the suggestion I could be considered anything other than super skinny is really quite ridiculous. But the fashion world is a ruddy ridiculous place.)

For a super-tall girly like me, what’s great about being this type of model is that my shoots aren’t normally about the clothes. Usually it’s more about playing a part; I might be a student, an office worker, a mum (yes, I’m even starting to get those parts now at the grand old age of 27) or on a date with some handsome chap, smiling like a crazy loon and cracking out a fake laugh every now and again. It’s not rocket science. And about 70% of the time, I can wear my own clothes.

But occasionally there’s a bit more of a fashion edge, and it’s in these instances that the clothing side of things can be a bit of a pickle. I’m a 10/12 girl, with size 9 feet (but usually manage to squeeze into an 8 for shoots when is absolutely necessary… just for a circulation-cutting twenty minutes or so). As with shopping in the real world, being dressed for shoots can be a bit of a headache when you’re 6ft tall. It can be bad enough looking for clothes yourself, let alone turning up to a shoot where a complete stranger is styling you and hasn’t bothered to check your measurements.

Claire Wasey... amazing style, amazing hair colour.

Which is why it’s lovely to work with a stylist who knows my quirks, understands my proportions and can cope with my long limbs. I’ve worked with the lovely Claire Wacey a few times over the last year-and-a-half on a shopping centre ad campaign, and she’s developed a great eye for what will fit and suit me. And since I’m always desperate to buy everything she puts me in, I thought I’d share a few of her clothing choices from yesterday’s studio shoot.

I’ve never owned a pair of leather (or indeed pleather) trousers before, but after seeing these long-length beauties from Oasis (which fit my 36 inch pins), I think it might be time to make a Ross Gellar-style resolution. They look super hot with this chiffon Warehouse top and Oasis jacket too.

At the moment I’m also rather drawn to little collar adornments – any jewellery that makes a feature of your shirt neckline. Claire pinned a little chain of bling to the blouse and gave it an edgier look.

Claire says “Harem pants are great for tall women, because they work at any length”. Don’t worry if the hem of your trousers sits above your ankles. The billowing hips and tapered bottom will stop them looking like ankle swingers. Plus these leopard-print lovelies from Zara really show off the gorgeous shoe boots that Claire brought in (available up to a size 43 from Next, and the slit at the front makes your ankles look super slender). I ADORE this Republic necklace too; it’s one of those pieces that will transform a tired looking vest-top.

And I’m loving this figure-hugging red number from Zara with its racer-style neckline. Perfect for girls with a bit of shape and ideal for those parties when you know you’re going to bump into the ex.

Right, let’s get one thing straight. “Tall” is not a body-shape. The word “Tall” describes body length, and it actually means diddly-squat in terms of assessing where your curves are.

There are thousands of tall women, and they come in as many incarnations as women of average height. If you’re reading this blog post, I can be pretty certain that you’re tall. But what I don’t know is whether you’ve got big whammers, little boobs, a massive booty or a pancake-arse. (I’d jolly well love to know though, and you can tell me about it at the bottom of this blog post).

While it can be useful to look at advice in magazine “bodyshape” features about dressing a “Tall” figure (usually about how to balance out your height), it’s also important to consider the other things that make you YOU. So here are a selection of clothes for us girlies who are tall and…. something else…

Tall and Boyish

If you’ve got a straight up-and-down figure, then you can add curves with this season’s peplum shapes and waterfall jackets. Look for clothes that will add volume, but cinch them in at the waist to create a more hourglass figure. With your model-esque physique, you can really experiment with the trends, so don’t be afraid to try loud prints and off-the-wall designs. Skinny jeans will emphasise your enviable pins, and you can balance them out with a looser top. Use a big necklace to add interest and bulk to a small bust.

Tall and Top-Heavy

If you’re top-heavy, you’ve got broader shoulders than hips, and more than likely a big pair of boobs. On jackets, avoid structured tailoring and shoulder pads which will make you appear boxy, and look for details like pockets and interesting zips which will draw the eye towards your middle. Dark colours will soften your top half, while brights and prints can be used on trousers to draw attention to your slim legs. Over-sized clutch bags and chunky bangles will also draw the eye downwards, so opt for these rather than statement necklaces and bold earrings. Don’t strap down your chest with high-neck tops; go for (slightly!) more open necklines and drapey fabrics to draw the focus towards your fabulous cleavage and away from broad shoulders.

Tall and Pear Shaped

Pear-shaped ladies have a narrow top-half and wider hips and bum. Make the most of your slim shoulders and décolletage with strappy tops and strapless dresses. Jackets with shoulder-pads or detail on the shoulders will broaden your top half and balance your silhouette beautifully, but choose styles that finish above the hip-line for a more flattering look. A flare at the bottom of your trousers will balance out your hips, and if you’re concious of your bigger half, wear darker colours on the bottom. A-line skirts and prom dress shapes will skim over your bigger bits and make you look super slender. Add a thin belt to show off your waist.

Tall and Hourglass

Hourglass girlies are considered to have the most desirable bodyshape, but it can be tricky sometimes to work the trends when you (shock horror) have got boobs AND a bum. Make the most of your delicious curves with classic tailoring, and nod to the trends with your choice of accessories and colour. Choose jackets and dresses with a nipped-in waist, or add a belt to show-off your shape. When choosing jeans, note the wash… a fading down the middle will have an optical illusion effect, and make the wider part of your leg appear slimmer.

Tall and Plus-Size

If you fall into this category, then you might have had trouble finding long-length clothes in a big enough dress size. It’s very possible that you also identify with one of the categories above, so you could still find some of the previous advice useful. I hear from a lot of women who are Tall and plus-size, who say that there is no escaping the feeling of being ‘big’. So it’s really important that you choose items that will make you feel feminine. Take your time over your hair and make up (we women were born to be pampered — so don’t feel guilty!) and choose clothes that you LOVE… not ones designed to make you fade into the background. Go for soft fabrics that drape well, semi-fitted styles, and show some skin with a peek of cleavage. If you’re too scared to unleash your inner fashionista in your clothing choices, then go absolutely crazy with your accessories.

Your hero shops: ASOS Curve and Anna Scholz will tell you how tall their models are. Find the ones who are 5’11 (like the sexpot below) and stalk like mad!

So, as you all bleeding well know, we’re not just “Tall”. We also have body-hang-ups/super-fabulous assets that put us into sub-categories as well. And to further complicate things, you might — like me — identify slightly with two categories. For example, I’m quite broad shouldered (top-heavy) but my waist could do with a little more definition (boyish). It’s all about taking little bits of advice from here and there, knitting them together and embellishing with your personality to find your perfect style.

Which body camp do you fall into? Or perhaps you’ve got another body-hang up that needs addressing in a leggy way. Maybe you want large-size shoes that hide your cankles? Or your short legs and long torso have left you feeling stumped. Share share.

Most of us don’t fit the cookie-cutter exactly. And life would be pretty bloody dull if we did.

It’s been a week since my last blog post The Big Tall Shopping Debate and WOWZERS… have you made your feelings clear on the subject of tall shopping. It’s a ruddy great comfort to know that I’m not alone in crying in the changing rooms/ dealing with clueless shop assistants/ scoffing about the pathetic lengths of trousers in some so-called “Tall” ranges. Something certainly needs to be done. More about that soon.

I’m am however feeling slightly guilty for not immediately following my little outburst of shopping rage with a rather more upbeat and helpful post. So I thought I’d now offer some useful shopping advice*.

I started the blog feature Tried It On because I found that — at six-foot tall — online shopping was far too perilous, and I wanted to know what a Miss Selfridge minidress/ All Saints Jumper/ New Look jumpsuit would actually look like on a tall person.

Luckily, some particularly shrewd online fashion businesses will now state the height of the models who wear their clothes, allowing you to get a better picture of what the clothes should look like on you.

Some even include a little video, so that you can see watch the model sashay gracefully down a catwalk and –more crucially — get a glimpse at what size her heels are.

Unfortunately, since the average model is around the 5’8-5’10 mark, you may have to employ a little mathematics (I know… bleurgh).

I’m not sure that Einstein ever wrote a formula for fashion, but if he did, I expect it would look much like this:

And you thought all I ever did was shop. Little did you know that I’m also a mathematician.

Boohoo and Asos are both online catalogues that include this helpful detail in most of their clothing listings. If you know of any more, please do give us a shout.

And if you’d like to make things even easier for your fellow leggy lovelies, then please send in a photo for Tried It On. If you’ve been blessed enough to stumble upon a long-length item of clothing in a “normal” (oompa-loompa/ pixie/ little muchkin) highstreet store, then don’t bleeding well keep it to yourself! Share your find by snapping yourself in it and sending the pic to laura@allthetallthings.com

L xxx

* Advice that I actually nicked from a couple of you lovely readers, and am now professing to be my own.

Happy Wednesday leggy lovelies. Now push your work to one side, pull up a chair, and grab a cuppa. It’s time to have a big juicy discussion about shopping.

I’ve been writing, raving and ranting for All the Tall things now since November 2010. In that time I’ve discovered — with your help — lots of new suppliers of long-length clothing and large-size shoes. But I’ve also witnessed Tall ranges shrink in size or vanish forever. (Disclaimer: I take no actual responsibility for the demise of these ranges. All I do is bloody well promote them).

But why are all these Tall ranges failing when the demand for clothing in longer lengths is so evident? Why am I left with even less choice on the highstreet now than I had a year ago?

In short: What are the Tall specialists getting so wrong?

Are the highstreet’s Tall ranges designed by not-very-tall people?

Topshop’s Tall range had always been my go-to when I needed a quick clothing fix. I’m lucky that I live in London and that most stores near me do contain a Tall range.

"Tall" Crop T-Shirt, Topshop £18. Sure, it's nice. But does it belong in the Tall range?

But over the last year I’ve noticed that its clothes have become a bit… senseless. Cropped tops. Cropped trousers. Yes, I get that this is in fashion. But I can buy cropped stuff ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE SHOP. It’s perhaps no coincidence then that I noticed more Tall range items in this year’s January sale than I ever had before. Tall women don’t need (and a good deal don’t want) short stuff. Am I right?

Shoe shops can be the worst offenders. A few will make shoes in bigger sizes. But how many women with size 10 feet actually want a six-inch stiletto on their shoe? (For those that do… I applaud you. But seriously… has anyone stopped to actually think about the needs of women with feet of this size?)

What’s worrying is that retailers seem to respond to a dip in their Tall range sales by shrinking its stock or – as evidenced recently by New Look and Dorothy Perkins – taking their Tall clothes off the highstreet altogether and bunging them into a warehouse for online shoppers only. Not good when you need a dress, like, tonight. Is it really the case that there aren’t enough women to justify these Tall ranges being instore… or is it that the quality and style just needed stepping up?

Do we need a better fit?

I’ve posted before about sizing issues in Imperfectly Proportioned. Some retailers seem to think that adding a few inches onto the bottom of a “normal” length dress will suffice. But then the waistline ends up somewhere around my bust line and the sleeves don’t fit my broader shoulders. So I won’t buy.

Do we need to get EXCITED by shopping?

Just yesterday on the blog, All the Tall things reader Lucy wrote “So sick of tall ‘fashion’ specialists that take two seasons to catch up with what everyone else is wearing”.

Perhaps because they carry a smaller selection of clothes, Tall ranges can sometimes be less fun, less innovative and less trend-led than their mainstream counterparts. If you see an exciting shoe in a shop, you can almost guarantee that it won’t be the one that goes up to a larger size. I often find my eyes drawn to the boring looking shoes, simply because I know that there’s a much greater chance that they’ll be stocked in my size.

What DO we want?

What has been your Tall shopping experience and how can Tall specialists serve us better?

Is there a particular item of clothing that you always struggle with? Which Tall specialists – either online or on the highstreet — do you like? And which ones aren’t up to scratch? Go on, be completely, 100% honest.

Let me know your thoughts. I would be very interested to know how you feel about the subject. And there’s an ever-so-slightly-massive-but-secret reason behind my question.

It’s the grand finale of Reader Style Week, and we’re concluding our fashion marathon with three leggy lovelies who really do make the most of their perfect proportions.

6ft Leeds lass Emma is looking adorable in this floral number… despite having been holed up in bed for an entire week with the flu just before this picture was taken. You seem to be back to your gorgeous self now petal!

Where is your outfit from? My dress is Dorothy Perkins, boots are New Look, and tights are from M&S whose size L miraculously has enough leg.

How would you describe your style? I mostly aim for classic, smart, stylish- but I’ll go anywhere in between. Like Sam on Wednesday, I do feel a bit at the mercy of the tall sizes, so I go with whatever I can get.

What’s the best thing about being tall? Getting respect and authority from people without even trying. Not having to kill my feet in heels every day. And helping old ladies reach the shelf in Tesco!!

Totally agree Em. (Although I do draw the line at helping teenage boys reach things on the top shelf. They can just go without…)

5’10 Liz is the savvy founder of Elle Mayers (check out her great selection of active-wear for tall women). She lives in Long Island, New York.

Where is your outfit from? The sweater jacket I bought at Marshall’s for a steal and is made in Italy. It has a great feel to it and the sleeves are long which is hard for me to find. The boots are Via Spiga which I bought at a discount shoe warehouse and they fit my Size 11 feet perfectly. A customer encouraged me to buy them. I really enjoy how women help each other when shopping. The white tank and grey leggings are from Old Navy.

How would you describe your style? My style is classic. My favourite outfit is jeans, white t-shirt and black flip flops. Or jeans, a black turtleneck, and black loafers.

What’s the best thing about being tall? I think one of the best things about being tall is that people expect you to be confident. Even if you’re not confident to start it helps you develop it particularly when you’re younger. People stop me all the time to ask directions and all sorts of things and I think being tall might have something to do with it.

I get that all the time Liz. (Although I genuinely possess the WORST sense of direction ever… so I usually send people to the wrong place).

Now… we’re rounding off our Reader Style Week with a leggy lovely who sent me so many gorgeous photos that I simply couldn’t decide which one to use. So I’m using them all. Meet Kimberly, a 6ft Texan forty-something who’s – quite frankly — freakin’ F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S (I’m starting to think that long limbs might be the answer to defying the ageing process…. hurrah!)

Where is your outfit from? In the pic with dark jeans and pink top (directly above) …. the jeans are from Hudson… they have a “Supermodel” length! The top is from Kohl’s. For some reason I am almost always able to buy my clothes in regular size stores and I buy most of them from TJ Maxx, Macy’s and Target.

How would you describe your style? I think of my style as maybe “casual chic” or “everyday chic”… nothing too dressy but I do like to mix dressier tops and blingy jewellery with jeans or leggings. Most of my clothes are inexpensive, from thrift stores and discount department stores, but I will splurge on jeans, shoes and bags because I believe those are investments.

What’s the best thing about being tall? Being able to literally “stand out from the crowd” by just being… me. There’s no “blending in” when you are tall so it makes you want to look your best. I have always seen my height as an asset and I’m very thankful for that.

And that’s a wrap. Massive thanks to Emma, Liz, Kimberly, and all the other lovely ladies who’ve contributed to Reader Style Week. I don’t know about you folks, but I feel like I can hold my head a little higher this weekend.

I might be a few inches over average height… but who wants to be average anyway?

Amber & Jade founder Catherine is 6’2 and cites All the Tall things as her “coffee morning treat”. (Why thank you missy). She lives in London (where she most probably spends a lot of the day admiring her new “Business Woman of the Year” award. I know I would).

How would you describe your style? Stylish yet making a statement and with a twist. As I am tall and slim I love wearing bold dresses that make me stand out from the crowd yet that are a little bit different – then accessorise with Amber & Jade shoes (obviously!).

What’s the best thing about being tall? Love being tall as you get noticed, turn heads, get remembered. Regarding dating, dare I say it boyfriends have told me ‘once they’ve tried tall they never go small’ (please don’t quote me on that one!).

Oops, sorry love. I just did. Please don’t hate me Catherine. I’m just jealous that you have a Balenciaga dress and I don’t. It’s Balenciaga people!

Lovely Lydia is a 5’11 student from Surrey. Not only has she started her own jewellery line (at 16?! Bleedin’ ‘eck do I feel like an under-achiever), but she’s also got a keen eye for a bargain…

Where is your outfit from? This is my failsafe outfit and can be worn just about anywhere! Pink Blazer- H&M £20 YES it does fit my ridiculously long torso somehow?! Jeans- Primark £8, Cream Chiffon Top- Topshop tall £33 and possibly the most expensive thing in my wardrobe! Cheetah print pumps- Newlook £8 I think? Personalised scrabble tile ring (You can just about see it in the photo!) — My own brand ‘Razzle Dazzle Jewellery Designs’ now launched on Faceyb wooooo! 😀

How would you describe your style? I am an absolute bargain hunter- Primark is my life! (Mainly because the student budget says so!) but overall my style is preppy/casual mixed with comfort!

What’s the best things about being tall? The best bit about being tall is one, being able to stand out in photos (and actually look good in the catwalk trends!) but weirdly I love it most at festivals- haha shorties I can see Olly Murs and you can’t! 🙂

Way back in December of last year, I wrote a post about maternity-wear for tall women (after making the appalling realisation that I wouldn’t fit in to Topshop’s Tall range if I ever did have a baby bump).

I managed to locate a few lovely suppliers of long-length maternity-wear (you can read about them here), but having never been pregnant myself, I wasn’t really qualified to comment on the challenges of dressing a bump-alicious figure. (And I’m still not, just in case my mum is reading this with excitement and my husband is mopping sweat from his brow).

Enter 6-foot-2 Maiken (she’s the Estonian yummy mummy who graced this very blog on Monday). After having her 7 month-old daughter Linda, she’s super clued-up about maternity fashion. Here she shares her little pearls of wisdom… to help you look chic and pretty while you’re brewing your own little leggy lovely…

Maiken and baby Linda

Hi, my name is Maiken and I have been an avid reader of All The Tall Things for about half a year now. I have found many good suggestions for locating long jeans and bigger than average shoes. However, there are the sartorial times, when “what” might take a backseat to “how”. I found myself in such a situation when I became pregnant with my daughter last May. I also had to continue working and the burgeoning belly had to be kept in somewhat decent outfits. So here are a few tips and tricks as well as ideas how to go through those last two trimesters while still looking lovely.

Dress, French Connection at ASOS, £36

Empire Lines and Leggings

While I have known ladies who could still fit into their pre-pregnancy pants (with the top button unbuttoned) well into their 8th month, I was not one of them. I ended up gaining 23 kilos (50lbs) and not all of it was nestled on my midriff. So I ended up wearing a lot of jeggings and leggings with tunics or empire-waist dresses. (Keeping things in the tunic and dress department meant that I ended up having clothes I could still wear once the baby had come out). Luckily the empire waist was still a big trend on the high street last winter, but it should be quite easy this year too… with all the capes and ponchos in the shops. High boots are also useful for when leggings come up too short.

A Flattering Fit

Maternity Jeans, Long Tall Sally £50

I had actually never worn skinny jeans before my pregnancy as I always thought it made my hips look too wide, but paired with a long top and nice boots, they make for a very flattering and slimming look. I did a lot of layering by wearing long-sleeved tops that would no longer reach my belly button with short-sleeve dresses.

Be Prepared

A woman’s body changes a lot during pregnancy… and it is no longer possible to just walk to the wardrobe in the morning and throw on your favourite outfit. So I spent a few Sundays putting together combinations that would work. It saved me on many a morning when I felt particularly large and ungainly.

Maiken’s Shopping List:

2 pairs of Jeggings (one size up with a generous elastic waist)

1 pair of maternity skinny jeans

2 pairs of Maternity Tights

Several tunics and empire-waist dresses

Empire-waist wool winter coat.

Some super tips there from a Mum who knows best. Maiken spent a lot of time in H+M when she was doing her maternity shopping… stocking up on items that would still be wearable long after little Linda was born. If you need a specilalist retailer (for long-length maternity trousers/ leggings/ empire dresses), then check out Long Tall Sally’s Maternity range, Pixie and Giraffe or the Tall Maternity Store.

It’s your mid-week fix of Reader Style… and we’ve got two more super-hot girlies showing off their favourite outfits…

6ft Sam hails from Berkshire and is looking pretty blooming supermodel-esque in her gorgeous Long Tall Sally frock. The photo was taken on her 40th birthday. I know… 40? Maybe I should be asking about her beauty regime instead of her clothes. Bee-aaa-uuut-iful.

Where is your outfit from? Long Tall Sally.

How would you describe your style? Very casual, pretty clueless really as I feel I am at the mercy of whatever the shops sell in the tiny tall ranges.

What’s the best thing about being tall? Not being average!

Well, you’re certainly not that Sam. Chic, sophisticated and statuesque maybe… but a million miles from average.

Regular All the Tall things readers will remember Jane (and her hubby!) from our Tried It On feature, and today she’s looking waaaaaay cool in her girly dress and punky boots.

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

SEARCH SITE

Search for:

Hey Leggy Lovely!

I'm Laura Schofield, a 6 foot tall, size 9 shoe wearing mama of 2. I started All the Tall things in 2010 as a resource for tall women to find clothes and shoes that fitted correctly, but it has evolved into a blog and community that examines every aspect of the Tall experience, including travel, dating and more emotive subjects such as discrimination and mental health. I've been on a bit of a "maternity leave" over the last couple of years, so I'm currently working hard to bring it back into 2019. Thanks for sticking with me and watch this space for more updates.